How to Make Simit (Turkish Bagel)

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Crispy and golden: The sesame seeds provide a crunchy exterior, while the inside remains soft and tender.
• Versatile: Simit is perfect for breakfast, sandwiches, or as a snack, served with cheese, olives, or jams.
• Simple ingredients: Made with just six basic ingredients, including yeast, sesame seeds, and molasses, it’s easy to make at home.

Ingredients

• For the dough:

  • 4 cups strong flour
  • 1 tablespoon salt
  • 2 teaspoons dry yeast
  • 1 ½ cups lukewarm water

• For the coating:

  • ¼ cup grape molasses
  • 1/3 cup hot water
  • Sesame seeds (for coating)

Directions

1. Activate the yeast: Combine yeast with lukewarm water, let sit for a few minutes.
2. Prepare the dough: Mix flour, salt, and the yeast mixture. Knead for 10 minutes until smooth.
3. Rest the dough: Let the dough rise for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
4. Form the simit: Divide dough into pieces, roll into ropes, and form into rings.
5. Coat the simit: Dip in a molasses-water mixture, then coat with sesame seeds.
6. Bake: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake for 20-25 minutes until golden.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes

Variations

• Sweetened simit: Add a small amount of sugar to the dough for extra sweetness.
• Spiced simit: Add a pinch of cinnamon or cardamom to the dough for an aromatic twist.

FAQs

How do I know when the simit is done?

It should be golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.

Can I freeze simit?

Yes, freeze simit after baking and reheat in the oven for a few minutes when ready to serve.

Conclusion

Simit is a delicious and easy-to-make Turkish treat that’s perfect for breakfast or as a snack. With its crisp sesame crust and soft, fluffy interior, it’s a delightful bread that everyone will enjoy!

How to Make Simit (Turkish Bagel)

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Simit, also known as the Turkish bagel, is a crispy, sesame-crusted bread with a soft and airy interior. Popular in Turkey as a breakfast or snack, this delightful bread is coated in a molasses glaze, adding a subtle sweetness. Easy to make with simple ingredients, simit is perfect for pairing with cheese, olives, or jam. Whether you’re enjoying it for breakfast or as a snack, this recipe brings the authentic taste of Turkey to your kitchen!

• Author: Ava
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 simits
• Category: Bread
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Turkish
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

For the Dough:

• 4 cups strong flour
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 2 teaspoons dry yeast
• 1 ½ cups lukewarm water

For the Coating:

• ¼ cup grape molasses
• 1/3 cup hot water
• Sesame seeds (for coating)

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Instructions

• Activate the Yeast: Combine yeast with lukewarm water and let it sit for a few minutes until frothy.
• Prepare the Dough: Mix flour, salt, and the yeast mixture. Knead for 10 minutes until the dough is smooth.
• Rest the Dough: Let the dough rise for 1-1.5 hours or until it doubles in size.
• Form the Simit: Divide the dough into pieces, roll each into a rope, and then form into rings.
• Coat the Simit: In a bowl, combine grape molasses  with hot water. Dip each dough ring into the molasses mixture, then coat generously with sesame seeds.
• Bake: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the simit is golden brown.
• Serve: Let cool slightly before serving.

Notes

• Sweetened Simit: Add a small amount of sugar to the dough for extra sweetness.
• Spiced Simit: Add a pinch of cinnamon or cardamom to the dough for a warm, aromatic flavor.